Light apparatus for illuminating a compact computer video screen

ABSTRACT

A lighting assembly for compact computer devices such as, for example, hand held video games utilizes a light source directed away from the display screen of the compact computer device and a reflective surface selectively positionable over the display screen to intercept and reflect the light emanating from the light source and re-direct it toward the display screen. The directing of the light away from the display screen and subsequent reflecting back toward the display screen results in an evenly diffused light being applied to the display screen, while completely eliminating the otherwise experienced hot spots or dark spots common in prior art light assemblies.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/590,992 filed Jun. 9, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to hand held video games, and moreparticularly, to a releasably attachable light assembly for the handheld video game that enables game playing in low light conditions.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Compact computers and video game devices having video viewingscreens are becoming more and more popular and typically comprisehand-held portable, battery-operated devices. The viewing screen istypically a liquid crystal display (LCD) that is generally flat anddisplays information and or provides the screen for playing video games.Such compact computers and video games may include, but are not limitedto: calculators, computer video games, lap top computers, and othercomputers where a variety of software is employed. In particular,compact video games, such as the compact video game systems known asGAME BOY, GAME BOY POCKET™ and GAME BOY COLOR™ (Trademarks of Nintendoof America), are completely self-sustained video game systems which maybe operated by interchangeably employing a collection from a library ofsoftware game packs. These Nintendo video game systems provide acompact, self-contained, battery-operated, portable hand-held computerwith a cross key joy stick (directional-pad or D-pad) to operate thegame, start and select buttons, action buttons and an LCD-type screen,together with volume controls so as to display and enable the user todisplay images and play games.

[0006] While video display screens are employed and typically include aflat LCD-type screen, such LCD-type display screens are often difficultto observe by the user in partial or low light conditions, such as, forexample, automobiles, planes, trains, buses, and the like due to thelack of illumination on the LCD screen to permit suitable contrastduring use.

[0007] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,091,832 and 5,325,280 show a light apparatus foruse with compact computer screens. As shown and described, the bodyincludes an open video space designed to be the same size as the LCDvideo screen of the compact computer apparatus. The body includes a pairof sloped or angled white colored side panels and a top and bottom sidepanel and the white or light colored panels extending perpendicular tothe video screen rather than sloped as illustrated for the side panels.The top side panel is integral with and extends from the bottom moldedsection of the body when the body sections are matingly engaged to formthe body, the top panel with the panels on the top section then form arectangular, open video viewing space of the apparatus.

[0008] The light apparatus includes a pair of light bulbs placed oneither side of sloping panels and which side panels also include ashort, solid, upward extending light shield so as to prevent the directglare of the light bulbs onto the LCD screen and to provide for indirectlighting through reflection on the light-colored side panels onto theLCD viewing screen.

[0009] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,117,339 and 5,165,779 disclose combined lightand magnifier devices for hand-held computers with video screens. Eachof these patents show a battery operated light assembly that is mountedto a separate assembly mounted adjacent the view screen and spaced fromthe magnifier lens. The devices shown in these patents are adapted toprovide a screen magnifier while also providing additional light to thescreen for playing in low light conditions.

[0010] Unfortunately, the use of an LCD screen in these hand-held videogame devices makes the illumination of the same difficult. The primaryreason for this difficulty is due to the fact that the plastic cover tothe actual LCD screen is generally of a high-gloss finish, and as suchhas a tendency to reflect light. This reflection of light primarilyoccurs when the light shines substantially directly onto the screen, andthus, the high-gloss screen cover prevents the light from penetratingthe cover and thereby illuminating the LCD screen.

[0011] In all of the aforementioned patents, the lighting assembliesutilize various different light sources that are generally directedtoward the screen. The use of white or light colored frame sides isimplemented in an effort to diffuse the light before projected onto thescreen, however, neither the white or light colored sides of the frameprevent spotting or “hot spots” caused by the illumination of the lightsource immediately adjacent the viewing screen or even worse, whenpositioned so as to project light directly at the viewing screen. Assuch, the light source, in the area of disposition, causes a glare spotor “hot spot” on the high-gloss glass cover to the actual LCD displayscreen. Thus, the user's view is obstructed and not increased in thesehot spot areas. Furthermore, dark spots are created on the screen wherethe additional light is not effectively distributed across the screen.In view of these drawbacks of the prior art patents, it would bedesirable to provide a lighting assembly for a hand-held computer gamingdevice that does not have any screen “hot spots” or dark spots, andactually works to increase the viewing of the display screen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improvedlighting assembly for hand-held video games that does not cause “hotspot” or other glaring effects from the use of light source toilluminate the LCD display.

[0013] It is yet another object of the invention to provide an improvedlighting assembly for hand-held video games that effectively utilizesreflection techniques to efficiently illuminate the LCD display screenof the game device.

[0014] This and other objects are achieved in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention in which a light assembly for use inenhancing the view of a compact computer video screen includes a baseportion adapted to fit over a top edge of the compact computer device.An upward extension is pivotally connected to the base portion and areflector housing is pivotally connected to the upward extension. Alight source is disposed within a recess in the upward extension andpositioned so as to direct light away from the video screen. A reflectoris disposed on the underside of the reflector housing and is adapted toreflect light from the light source downward toward the video screen.Through the variable positioning of the upward extension and reflectorhousing (via the pivotal connections) the user can selectively adjustthe amount of light reflected down onto the video display screen.

[0015] Other objects and features of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description considered inconjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood,however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes ofillustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, forwhich reference should be made to the appended claims. It should befurther understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scaleand that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended toconceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote similarelements throughout the several views:

[0017]FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the game light assembly accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

[0018]FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the game light assembly with thegame playing apparatus shown in phantom;

[0019]FIG. 1c is a perspective view of the game light assembly accordingto another embodiment of the invention;

[0020]FIG. 1d is a bottom view of the game light assembly according tothe embodiment of FIG. 1c;

[0021]FIG. 1e is a bottom view of the game light assembly according toanother embodiment of the invention;

[0022]FIG. 1f is a top view of the game light assembly according to theembodiment of FIG. 1e;

[0023]FIG. 1g is a bottom view of the game light assembly showing adifferent embodiment of the reflective surface;

[0024]FIG. 1h is a rear view of the game light assembly according to anembodiment of the invention;

[0025]FIG. 1i is a front view of one embodiment of the reflectivesurface according to the invention;

[0026]FIG. 1j is a front view of another embodiment of the reflectivesurface according to the invention;

[0027]FIG. 2 is a front view of game light assembly according to anembodiment of the invention;

[0028]FIG. 3a is a side view of the game light assembly according to anembodiment of the invention;

[0029]FIG. 3b is a side view of the game light assembly according to anembodiment of the invention;

[0030]FIG. 3c is a perspective view of the base portion of the gamelight assembly according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0031]FIG. 4 is a rear view of the game light assembly according to anembodiment of the invention;

[0032]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the game light assembly according to anembodiment of the invention;

[0033]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the game light assembly in anextended flattened position;

[0034]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of game accessory power supplyconnector for compact video game devices according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0035]FIG. 8 is a side view of the game accessory power supply connectoraccording to the invention;

[0036]FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the game accessory power supplyconnector according to the invention;

[0037]FIG. 10a is top perspective view of the game accessory powersupply connector for compact video game devices according to anotherembodiment of the invention;

[0038]FIG. 10b is a bottom perspective view of the game accessory powersupply connector for compact video game devices according to anotherembodiment of the invention;

[0039]FIG. 11 is a top view of the game accessory power supply connectordepicted in FIG. 10a as disposed on a compact video game device shown inphantom; and

[0040]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the game accessory powersupply connector taken along lines XII-XII of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041]FIGS. 1a and 1 b show the light assembly 10 according to anembodiment of the invention. Light assembly 10 includes a base portion12 adapted to be releasably attached to a hand held video game device 5and an upper portion having an upward extension 14 and reflector housing16. According to one embodiment, the base portion 12 has a left side 24that includes a power supply plug 28 which is adapted and positioned tobe inserted into the external link port of the hand held video gamedevice. Power supply plug 28 engages the external link port of the handheld video game device 5 when disposed in its operable position (shownin FIG. 1b) and thereby electrically connects the light assembly 10 tothe battery power supply of the game device 5. In this manner, the lightassembly 10 does not need its own power supply or batteries. In oneembodiment, an on/off power switch 50 can be provided on the baseportion 12 which allows the user to selectively turn on and off thelight assembly 10. In another embodiment, there is no power switch onbase portion 12 and the light assembly is powered on and off with theswitching on and off of the game device. Those of ordinary skill in theart understand that the electrical connections made within the lightassembly and the manner of manufacturing the same may be made by anysuitable known type of electrical connections and manufacturing methods.Light assembly 10 is preferably made of molded plastic to dimensionallyfit the Game Boy™, but may also be made of any suitable known materialcapable of being shaped into a desired style.

[0042]FIGS. 1c-1 e and FIG. 4 show various other embodiments where thelight assembly 10 includes its own power source. Referring to FIGS. 1cand 1 d, a battery compartment 25 is provided within base portion 12 andincludes an access cover 27 that is releaseably connected to baseportion 12 with a snap or other suitable connection. The size and typeof battery or batteries 29 contained within the compartment 25 is amatter of design choice. Those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the type of battery and size thereof can be modifiedwithout departing from the spirit of the present invention. FIGS. 1e and1 f show the disposition of the battery compartment 25 within reflectorhousing 16. In this embodiment, the reflector 18 is connected to orintegrally formed with the compartment cover 31. Thus, the battery(ies)29 are covered by the compartment cover 31 and are thereby containedwithin housing 16 underneath the reflector 18. FIG. 4 shows anotherembodiment where the battery compartment 25 is disposed within upwardextension 14 and covered by a compartment cover 33. Compartment cover 33is preferably molded to conform to the shape and texture of the upwardextension 14 and thereby is concealed from obvious view. Those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the actual location ofthe battery compartment 25 within the light assembly 10 is also a matterof design choice.

[0043] Light assembly 10 is disclosed in the style of a cobra snake.Those of skill in the art will recognize that the concepts andtechnology disclosed herein may be applied to a light assembly of anystyle and shape. Thus, the cobra style depicted herein is only oneexemplary embodiment style of the light assembly of the presentinvention. In addition, the lighting system and technology of thepresent invention can be used for other applications such is, forexample, a book light.

[0044] The upward extension 14 includes a recess 22 adapted to receiveand house a light source 20 that is directed upward away from thedisplay screen 7 of the game device 5. Light source 20 can be anysuitable known light source such as, for example, an incandescent bulb,a light emitting diode (LED), a directional LED, etc. A directional LEDprovides substantially collimated beam of light that is easilydirectable toward a particular surface. Those of skill in the art willrecognize that the type of light source may be a matter of design choiceand may be changed without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.In one embodiment, the light source includes a lens or other means forfacilitating the directability or focusing of the light toward thereflective surface. However, since the advent of white light LEDs (i.e.,late 1998), the need for such lens or other means would be for non-LEDapplications. In another embodiment, recess 22 is formed by providing anadditional cavity 23 (FIG. 3b) that protrudes from the backside of theupward extension 14. This cavity 23 forms the recess 22 on the frontside of the upward extension 14.

[0045] The base portion 12 of the light assembly 10 includes variousintegrated extensions 34, 36 and 38 in order to increase its strengthand integrity during attachment and detachment to and from the gamedevice 5. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that othermethods and designs for these portions of base 12 can be altered withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. FIGS. 10a-12 show anotherembodiment of the base portion (to be discussed later) that eliminatesextensions 34, 36 and 38 and provides a stronger design by integratingthicker support ribs and facia or upper rim 102. The left side 24 of thebase portion 12 includes a power supply plug 28 that is positioned sothat when light assembly 10 slidably engages the top edge of the gamedevice 5 in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 1a, power supplyplug 28 is inserted into the external link port (not shown) of the gamedevice 5. Although the external link port of the game device 5 isgenerally used to link the game device to another for head-to-head gameplaying, by designing plug 28 to contact select electrical contactswithin the link port, light assembly 10 can utilize the power of thegame device (e.g., internal or external battery power supplies) to powerlight source 20. Thus, the use of other additional power supplies orbatteries to power the light assembly are not necessary. In oneembodiment (discussed later with respect to FIGS. 3a-3 c), access to thelink port will continue to be provided while the light assembly 10 ismounted in its operable position on game device 5. The game device 5also includes a volume control (not shown) that is disposed adjacent thelink port. As such, the left side 24 of the base portion 12 is designedso as to not interfere with the operation of the adjacently positionedvolume control dial.

[0046] Depending on the particular game device 5, an infrared (IR)window (not shown—e.g., GAME BOY™ and GAME BOY COLOR™) or on/off powerswitch (not shown—e.g., GAME BOY POCKET™) is disposed on the top edge ofthe game device. As such, base portion 12 includes a cutout or opening30 (FIGS. 1a, 1 b and 2) positioned so as to accommodate the IR windowor on/off switch on the game device and keep them accessible when lightassembly 10 is disposed in its operable position.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1a, 1 b, 3 a, 3 b and 5, during operationlight source 20 is illuminated and positioned within recess 22 such thatthe light emanating therefrom is directed upward toward reflectorhousing 16 and away from display screen 7. As shown in FIG. 5, reflectorhousing 16 includes a reflector 18 disposed on the underside of thehousing. Through the use of hinges 40 and 42, the reflector housing 16and upward extension 14 can be selectively positioned to reflect thelight back down toward the display screen 7 of the game device 5.Reflector 18 can be any suitable known type of reflector such as, forexample, a mirror, reflective mylar, hot stamped chrome plate etc. It isalso contemplated to have reflector 18 integrally formed into theunderside of the reflector housing 16. As mentioned previously, lightsource 20 is directed upward toward reflector 18 on the underside ofhousing 16. As such, the light emanating from light source 20 isreflected downward by the reflector 18 and thereby illuminates thedisplay screen 7 in an even and diffused manner. As shown in FIGS. 3aand 3 b, through the application of hinged connections 40 and 42, theuser can manipulate the angular positions of upward extension 14 andreflector housing 16 to adjust the angular position of reflector 18 withrespect to the light source, and thereby enables the user to increaseand/or decrease the amount of light being directed toward display screen7 corresponding to the angular position of the reflector. In otherembodiments (not shown), hinges 40 and 42 can be eliminated and lightassembly 10 with base portion 12, upward extension 14 and reflectorhousing 16 are predeterminately positioned and molded so as to providethe maximum lighting ability for the display screen 7 of the game device5.

[0048]FIGS. 1g-1 j show other various embodiments of reflective surface18. According to the invention, the reflective surface 18 can be flat,concave (FIG. 1g, 1 h and 1 i), convex (FIG. 1j), compound convex orother complex reflective surfaces. Through the application of differentshaped reflective surfaces, varying ranges of light dispersion can beobtained for a wide range of applications, including for example,accommodating display screens of different sizes. As shown, a wire 21comes out of housing cavity 23 and can include a plug 29 for connectionto a power source. The wire is electrically connected to a power source,such as, for example, the link port, an AC adapter, DC adapter, externalbattery supply, etc. Those of skill in the art will recognize that theconfiguration of plug 29 can be changed to accommodate the power sourceconnection.

[0049] In view of the fact that light assembly 10 can utilize the linkport of the game device 5 in order to obtain power, a link port 44(FIGS. 3a and 3 b) is provided on the external surface of the baseportion 12 so as to provide the user with all the functionality of suchlink port while the light assembly 10 is disposed in its operableposition on the game device 5. FIG. 3c shows another embodiment of thepositioning of link port 44 on the external surface of base portion 12.Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the position ofthe externally provided link port 44 can be changed without departingfrom the spirit of this disclosure.

[0050]FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the light assembly 10 and how thebase portion 12 engages the game device 5 according to one preferredembodiment. The right side 26 of base portion 12 includes a small flange52 adapted to engage the corresponding top corner of the game device 5.As described earlier, when base portion 12 is slid onto the top edge ofthe game device (see arrow direction in FIG. 1a) flange 52 snaps overthe top corner edge of the game device. This “snap over” flange 52, inconjunction with the power supply connection 28 with the link port ofthe game device 5, secures the light assembly 10 into its operableposition on the game device. Conversely, the removal of light assembly10 simply requires the user to “un-snap” flange 52 from its securedposition over the top edge and slide the base portion 12 of the lightassembly in the reverse direction of the arrow indicated in FIG. 1a forremoval from the game device 5.

[0051]FIG. 6 shows the light assembly 10 in a flattened position overthe game device 5. Through the hinged connection 40 of the reflectorhousing 16 with upward extension 14 and the hinged connection 42 of theupward extension with the base portion 12, the light assembly 10 can beflattened over the game device 5 and screen 7 as shown. This foldingaspect (or unfolding) of the light assembly not only functions to placethe light assembly 10 into a storage position without requiring itsremoval from the game device, but also functions to protect the uppersurface of the game device 5.

[0052] FIGS. 7-9 shows a game accessory power supply connector 70 foruse with any type of accessory item. The game accessory power supplyconnector 70 can be integrated into any type of accessory item for thegame device. It is preferable that the particular type of accessory itembe one that requires battery power to operate, thus enabling the use ofthe game device link port as described in several embodiment of theinvention. Game accessory power supply connector 70 includes a baseportion 71 that is substantially identical to the base portion 12 of thelight assembly 10. Briefly, the base portion 71 includes left and rightsides 80 and 82, respectively, the IR window on/off switch opening 76,an on/off switch 74 and the power supply plug 72. Base portion 71 alsoincludes an external link port 86 which can be variously positioned onconnector 70 according to design choice.

[0053] The connection of the game accessory power supply connector 70 isalso identical to that of the base portion 12 of the light assembly 10.Thus, when the connector 70 is slid onto the top edge of the game device(see arrow direction in FIG. 1a) flange 84 snaps over the top corneredge of the game device. This “snap over” flange 84 secures theconnector 70 into its operable position on the game device. The removalof connector 70 is also identical to that of base portion 12 describedearlier.

[0054]FIGS. 10a and 10 b show a preferred embodiment for a gameaccessory power supply connector 100 according to the invention.Connector 100 has an upper surface 102 on which hinge 106 is disposedfor connection to, for example, the upward extension 14 (FIGS. 1a and 1b). The rear side 101 of connector 100 includes the IR/on/off switchwindow 110 and the external link port 114 is provided on one side.Similar to the flange 52 described with reference to the embodiment ofFIG. 5, connector 100 includes flange 104 adapted to snap over the topcorner edge of the game device 5. The upper surface 102 of connector 100is designed to be thicker than that of the previously discussedembodiments, and as such the structural integrity of the connector issubstantially increased. Those of ordinary skill will appreciate thatother designs for increasing the overall integrity and strength of theconnector can be made without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention.

[0055] Connector 100 engages the game device 5 is a slightly moreenhanced manner than that of the aforementioned embodiments. Referringto FIGS. 11 and 12, the game device 5 includes a display screen 7 thatis covered by a glass or plastic panel 9 that is larger than the displayscreen. Panel 9 meets with the upper edge 11 of the game device 5 and isslightly recessed from this upper edge 11 so as to form a small ledgebetween the panel 9 and edge 11. Connector 100 includes a flange 112extending downward from the upper surface 102 and positioned such thatthe upper surface 102 substantially extends across the upper edge 11 ofthe game device 5 and flange 112 engages over the small ledge formedwith panel 9 and thereby secures connector 100 to the top edge of thegame device 5. An optional on/off switch 116 is also provided.

[0056] While there have been shown and described and pointed outfundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferredembodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions,substitutions, changes in the form and details of the devicesillustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in theart without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, itis expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/ormethod steps which perform substantially the same function insubstantially the same way to achieve the same results are within thescope of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limitedonly as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light assembly for use in enhancing the view ofa video screen of a compact computer device, the compact computer devicehaving a power supply, an on/off power switch and a link port, thelighting assembly comprising: a light source positioned to direct lightaway from the video screen; a reflective surface positioned to reflectthe light directed away from the video screen back toward the videoscreen; and means for connecting the lighting assembly to the compactcomputer device.
 2. The light assembly according to claim 1 , furthercomprising power supply means for supplying power to said light source.3. The light assembly according to claim 2 , wherein said power supplymeans comprises a power supply plug electrically connected to said lightsource, said power supply plug releasably engaging the link port of thecompact computer device to provide power to said light source from thecompact computer device power supply through the link port.
 4. The lightassembly according to claim 1 , wherein said light source comprises alight emitting diode.
 5. The light assembly according to claim 1 ,wherein said light source comprises an incandescent light bulb.
 6. Thelight assembly according to claim 2 , wherein said reflective surface isflat.
 7. The light assembly according to claim 2 , wherein saidreflective surface is concave.
 8. The light assembly according to claim2 , wherein said reflective surface is convex.
 9. The light assemblyaccording to claim 2 , wherein said power supply means comprises abattery electrically connected to said light source.
 10. The lightassembly according to claim 1 , wherein said means for connectingcomprises a plug for engaging the link port of the compact computerdevice.
 11. A light assembly for use in enhancing the view of a videoscreen of a compact computer device, the compact computer device havinga power supply, an on/off power switch and a link port, the lightingassembly comprising: a light source positioned to direct light away fromthe video screen; a curved reflective surface positioned to reflect thelight directed away from the video screen back toward the video screen;means for supplying power to said light source; and means for connectingthe lighting assembly to the compact computer device.
 12. The lightassembly according to claim 11 , wherein said power supply meanscomprises a power supply plug electrically connected to said lightsource, said power supply plug releasably engaging the link port of thecompact computer device to provide power to said light source from thecompact computer device power supply through the link port.
 13. Thelight assembly according to claim 11 , wherein said light sourcecomprises a light emitting diode.
 14. The light assembly according toclaim 11 , wherein said reflective surface is concave.
 15. The lightassembly according to claim 11 , wherein said reflective surface isconvex.
 16. The light assembly according to claim 1 1, wherein saidpower supply means comprises a battery electrically connected to saidlight source.
 17. The light assembly according to claim 11 , whereinsaid means for connecting comprises a plug for engaging the link port ofthe compact computer device.
 18. The light assembly according to claim11 , wherein said means for connecting comprises a base releasablyconnected to an edge of the compact computer device.
 19. The lightassembly according to claim 17 , wherein said means for connectingcomprises a base releasably connected to an edge of the compact computerdevice.
 20. A light assembly for use in enhancing the view of a videoscreen of a compact computer device, the compact computer device havinga power supply, an on/off power switch and a link port, the lightingassembly comprising: a light source positioned to direct light away fromthe video screen; means for receiving and reflecting the light directedaway from the video screen back toward the video screen; means forsupplying power to said light source; and means for connecting thelighting assembly to the compact computer device.
 21. The light assemblyaccording to claim 20 , wherein said power supply means comprises apower supply plug electrically connected to said light source, saidpower supply plug releasably engaging the link port of the compactcomputer device to provide power to said light source from the compactcomputer device power supply through the link port.
 22. The lightassembly according to claim 20 , wherein said light source comprises alight emitting diode.
 23. The light assembly according to claim 20 ,wherein said means for receiving and reflecting comprises a flatreflective surface.
 24. The light assembly according to claim 20 ,wherein said means for receiving and reflecting comprises a concavereflective surface.
 25. The light assembly according to claim 20 ,wherein said means for receiving and reflecting comprises a convexreflective surface.
 26. The light assembly according to claim 20 ,wherein said power supply means comprises a battery electricallyconnected to said light source.
 27. The light assembly according toclaim 20 , wherein said means for connecting comprises a plug forengaging the link port of the compact computer device.
 28. The lightassembly according to claim 20 , wherein said means for connectingcomprises a base releasably connected to an edge of the compact computerdevice.
 29. The light assembly according to claim 27 , wherein saidmeans for connecting comprises a base releasably connected to an edge ofthe compact computer device.
 30. A method for illuminating a videoscreen of a compact computer device comprising the steps of: providing alight source; positioning the light source such that light emanatingtherefrom is directed away from the video screen; providing power tosaid light source; and reflecting the light directed away from the videoscreen back toward the video screen.
 31. The method according to claim30 , wherein said step of providing a light source further comprisesproviding a base releasably connected to the compact computer device andsupporting the light source.
 32. The method according to claim 30 ,wherein said step of reflecting further comprises providing a reflectorhousing adjustably connected to the base and having a reflectorpositionable to reflect the light emitted from the light source towardthe video screen.